The adjective perennial indicates that something endures over time. If we refer to snow that is stable on the top of a mountain, we will speak of perennial snows. It could also be used to mention a long-lasting and unbreakable friendship or love. In any case, this adjective expresses that a reality does not deteriorate or wither with the passage of time.
Etymology and the relationship of the term with Roman mythology and Celtic culture
It comes from the Latin perennis and is formed with the prefix per and the root annus, which means year. Therefore, considering its origin, the perennial is that which lasts over time.
Among the Romans of the ancient world, a divinity known by the name of Anna Perenna was worshiped. This deity was honored during the Ides of March, which corresponded to the first fifteen days of March of the Roman calendar. During this period, festivals and sacrifices were held in his honor in order to make the year satisfactory and prosperous.
In Celtic culture, a knot-shaped ornament was made that symbolized the idea of eternal love and the impossibility of breaking the union between lovers. This ornament was known as the perennial knot.
In the field of botany
Although this adjective can be used as a synonym for eternal, lasting or imperishable, it is a cultism that is not part of everyday language. However, it is very common in the botanical world. In this sense, the leaves of the trees can be evergreen or deciduous.
Evergreen trees - or evergreens - retain their leaves throughout the year, regardless of weather changes
In this way, at no time does the tree remain bare of leaves, because while some fall, others grow. Regarding the classification of these trees, they can be broad-leaved or scale-shaped. Among the best known examples we could highlight the lemon tree, pine, holm oak, strawberry tree, bitter orange, red eucalyptus or green-leaved acacia.
Trees that do not keep their leaves throughout the year are deciduous or deciduous. These trees have several phases: in spring they begin to bloom and their leaves grow, in summer they are full of leaves, in autumn the leaves are falling and in winter they are permanently left without them. Some deciduous trees are the poplar, almond, weeping willow, cherry or chestnut.
The distinction between one and the other trees depends on their adaptation to the natural environment and climatic conditions.
Photos: Fotolia - Kara-Kotsya / majivecka
